Afros takes centre stage, Pretoria Girls High – August 2016

A group of Pretoria Girls High protested against the school’s hair policy, in particular that of ethnic hair. The school code of conduct (COC) allegedly banned or afros, dreadlocks and braids. This amidst other allegations of racist practices, prohibiting the learners from speaking their mother tongue on the school premises.

The MEC for Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi, worked with the School Governing Body to reformulate a more racially inclusive and unbiased school COC. He further appointed an independent committee to investigate all allegations. The department took a decision that all COC for various schools would jointly be reviewed and approved by the department and governing bodies.